Brunswick employees awarded Women in Manufacturing honors

Brunswick Corp. said three employees were selected among 130 recipients to receive the Women in Manufacturing STEP — Science, Technology, Engineering and Production — Ahead Award from the Manufacturing Institute for 2016.

Brunswick said it is among a handful of companies that has three recipients chosen for the prestigious award this year.

The STEP Ahead Awards honor women who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in their careers and represent all levels of the manufacturing industry, from the factory floor to the C suite.

Morton is based in Merritt Island, Fla. Vara and Weiss work in Fond du Lac, Wis.

Morton and Weiss are among 100 women chosen as honorees of the STEP Ahead Award, and Vara was among 30 women designated as an "emerging leader."

"We are extremely honored to have three of our colleagues chosen for this highly selective award," Brunswick chairman and CEO Mark Schwabero said in a statement. "They are truly a source of pride for Brunswick. It speaks to the quality of our workforce and their dedication, as well as the ultimate purpose of this recognition — to promote careers in manufacturing.

"Manufacturers face the growing challenge of finding, engaging and advancing talent. STEP Ahead raises awareness of these issues by showcasing opportunities and role models that can speak to the transformation of the industry — role models like Jan, Katelyn and Marcea," Schwabero continued.

"STEP Ahead celebrates and recognizes the accomplishments of outstanding leaders in manufacturing, inspiring the future generations of women leaders to consider full, enriching careers in manufacturing."